Shrubaboti Bose's Blog - Posts Tagged "picture-book"

Good Luck Chestnut: and other lucky colors of the World by Linda Gruenberg

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Beautifully illustrated, this book introduces you to the different hues and patterns that characterize horses. While portraying children engrossed in their play, Linda skilfully blends colours with simple rhymes to create an effect that is both sensitive and endearing. There's Chestnut, Dapples, Palomino, Roan and many more, but what makes it particularly interesting for a child to follow and remember, are the little associations that connect each horse with a story.

Appaloosas look like they have a blanket with spots covering their backs, and as the author intricately connects words together to describe this, one can see it reflected in the watercolour alongside, two little boys sitting on top of a horse with a white spotted rump. Socks are, as the name suggests, horses with white on their legs till the joints and this is accompanied by a wonderful depiction of four legs wearing imaginary socks. Words tumble forth page after page like unstoppable giggles, there is a sense of blissful happiness in the phrases that is almost contagious. Diversely represented, one can find children of all kinds of colours and ethnicities here, smiling and laughing with joy.

The play of light and shadow through the leaves, or a child holding a horse's mane softly caressing, or the tiny tummy peeking underneath the shirt of a girl as she lies comfortably horseback, shows the amount of love and tenderness that has gone behind the making of this book. If you are a stranger to horses like me, you would feel a yearning to be among these animals, wishing to enjoy their company like these carefree children. But if you happen to be someone who grew up with animals, this is still bound to make you feel nostalgic. Recommended for everyone, especially for parents who enjoy reading aloud to their children.

(Note: Obtained as ARC on Reedsy Discovery)



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A Gathering of Tales from a Cosmopolitan Family by Wondering Wandering Writer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Beautifully inclusive collection of story adaptations from different countries of the world

Just as the title suggests, this collection is a really thought-provoking melange of stories from different countries such as Eritrea, Scotland, Romania and Biafra. Despite their cultural nuances, it is worth noting how the stories do not compete for attention with each other but remains individually and collectively vivid in their depictions. Beautifully illustrated and filled with prompts that encourage young readers to engage with the stories by drawing characters portrayed in it, this is a celebration of colours, languages and multiculturalism. Reflecting the power of inclusivity, it inspires children to be interested about other cultures as well as various languages like Igbo or Romanian and thereby sparks their curiosity.

What is particularly captivating is the absence of gender stereotypes and the use of animal characters to illustrate moral values that are intrinsic towards a fundamental value education for small children. While the book mainly targets a younger audience, it is surprisingly refreshing and holds a nostalgic charm that is bound to move an adult reader too. Both Dreamer Panda and Sturdy Tiger act as role models, occupying the position of parents for the two siblings, Purity and Love, an elephant and a lady bird but this kind of interspecies representation mirrors the pluralist global atmosphere that is common in the contemporary world.

It helps to establish in children a basic understanding at the subconscious level that we should be accepting to everyone around us, including those who are different from us, thinking in terms of one big family. Although the stories are adapted from tales, it is important to note the manner in which they are weaved together seamlessly into the larger narrative by the author. An unusually exciting collaboration between both author and illustrator has resulted in the creation of one of the sweetest children books that I have read in this month. Recommended especially for young children.

(Note: ARC obtained from Reedsy Discovery)



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City Kitties by Rizwan Asad

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Lovely book of rhymes for children to explain the importance of having different kinds of experiences in life

In this book, the protagonists of the story are the two cats, Mitten and Nessie. They have very contrasting characters but what makes the narrative really interesting is how Rizwan plays with words and effectively incorporates rhymes in them. In fact, Mitten is actually a very mischievous kitten who often hides behind objects and enjoys pranking other animals by suddenly jumping in front of them, but when it comes to Nessie all her efforts go in vain because the older cat seems undisturbed. This made Mitten very curious and she directly asks, "Why can I never catch you" and so Nessie starts recounting the story of her life along with her numerous other experiences.

While this is a small story book, one must keep in mind that the author has taken a lot of efforts to frame the sentences in the form of a nursery poem with each line ending on a rhyming word. Rhymes can be very helpful for the learning process of a child since it is easier for them to memorize a particular sequence of music than a group of random words. Personally, I believe rhymes also set the tone for the story into a light-hearted and cheerful vibe. Furthermore, the illustrations are designed with utmost care. They are not only positioned well, but also feature the nuances of the two characters, displaying both the restless energetic nature of Mitten and the elegant, proud attitude of Nessie.

Overall, the story helps children understand that having a range of various different experiences can enrich our lives and give us a sense of accomplishment, as portrayed by Nessie. It also motivates young readers to find their own adventures respectively and inspires children to become increasingly accepting to differences. Humorous and enchanting, this is a picture book that I would recommend everyone to read!

(Note: ARC obtained on Reedsy Discovery)



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Moose and Goose on the Bus by Grace Diane

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A spring day with Goose and Moose is bound to leave the readers warm within

When you read the story the first time, the illustrations are bound to grab your attention. Despite the muted colours or neutral tone, there is a certain charm that is both beautiful and soft like the spring sunshine. But what attracts us the most is the thoughtful expression on the reindeer's face. We get introduced to three different characters in the story - Goose, Moose and Bruce. Surprisingly, even in spring there is a lot that doesn't sit well with either Goose or Bruce. They have reasons to not enjoy it as much. Bruce feels it's still too cold, he appears to be grumpy, whereas Goose gives us the impression of being indifferent to March.

The second time you visit the two strange friends, you are also on the bus, riding along with them, bumping over the puddles and feeling the slight chill in the spring air. Yet it is Moose time and again who reminds us about how the crocuses and tulips would bloom around spring, how bright the sun shines in our faces, how we should dress up as it fits the season. Sensitively portraying how friends can have a difference of opinion and still remain friends, the author takes us on a journey of kindness and an invincible spirit of optimism. Reading this story would help young people to learn by imitation to care about our friends even if they have a unique way of thinking that is different from that of ours.

When Moose finds out why Bruce is unhappy, he tries to think of a way to make him feel better by gifting him a tuque. He even attempts to present Goose a daffodil, encouraging her to appreciate nature's beauty. But when that plan fails, he brings her a pair of polka dot socks and finally manages to cheer her up. She always wanted boots as keeping her feet warm and dry is important to her. This shows the significance behind understanding what a person desires in life without trying to impose our beliefs on them.

Being an educator, this book seems ideal for teaching children the real reason behind trying to have a positive outlook in life. If you are determined to make the best out of any given situation, you have already won half the battle because then nothing can bring you down. This story is recommended for all children, especially for new parents to read aloud stories before bedtime.

(Note: ARC obtained on Reedsy Discovery)



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